Earthwork in Clonlost

Explorer Tom Huntingdon House is all vertical drama and classical restraint, pretending it hasn’t seen a single ghost in its pedimented doorway. I bet the most exciting thing that ever happened there was a very stern argument about who owned the best hat. Stand back on the public path and let it keep its secrets for now.

Explorer Tom Clondrisse House is a mix of materials that looks like it went through a very confused renovation phase in the Victorian era. If it walked into a chipper, it would order chips with ketchup and vinegar because it can’t make up its mind. Stand on the public path and let it figure out what it wants to be.

Explorer Tom Millarstown House has a Doric doorcase so impressive it makes every other frontage feel like they’re wearing pyjamas. Locals swear that if you blow out one candle here, the whole house goes dark for a week. Keep your matches handy and your spirits high, mate.

Explorer Tom Saint Joseph’s Church in Tevrin has had so many names that it gave up trying to remember them all and just settled on 'The One With The Stone Windows'. It looks like it was built by someone who wanted to be fancy but ran out of money halfway through the budget. If you hear a choir humming from inside, don’t answer; it’s just the wind playing with the

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Reynella thinks the local sheep are just overgrown dogs that haven’t learned to bark yet. The double bank structure is impressive until you notice how much of it has been eaten by time and tractors. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Westmeath has a favourite song that is just the wind rustling through its fan-shaped leaves in a very rhythmic way. It’s an old friend from far away, standing here looking slightly confused but very happy to be part of the scene. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Martinstown Castle in Ruins is playing hard to get on that rock outcrop. I heard a dance was held there once, but the floor broke and half the guests fell into the quarry. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Taghmon Castle would win any county fair for 'Best Dressed Ruin' without breaking a sweat. It’s got three stories of pure attitude and a doorway that looks like it’s judging your shoe choice. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?